Security company forced to backpay staff almost $30000

A Victorian security company has been put on notice after
it short-changed a Ballarat employee almost $30,000 over four
years.

While the company has back-paid the worker in full, it has
received a Letter of Caution from the Fair Work
Ombudsman.

The employee was underpaid his normal hourly rate, casual
loadings, shift allowances, weekend and public holiday penalty
rates and overtime rates between 2009 and 2013.

The Fair Work Ombudsman found that the security guard was
paid an average of $21.84 an hour for overtime work when he should
have received $33 an hour.

Further, he was paid less than $20 an hour for public
holiday work despite being entitled to rates of up to $37.73 - and
on Saturdays, he was paid $23.14 instead of the minimum
$29.97.

The employee lodged a request for assistance with the Fair
Work Ombudsman after becoming aware he was being paid below lawful
minimum rates.

The Fair Work Ombudsman says the Melbourne-based security
company co-operated with inspectors and avoided enforcement
action.

"When we find employers who have made mistakes, our
preference is always to educate them about their obligations and
work with the business to resolve the issues outside of the
Courts," The Fair Work Ombudsman said.

The Fair Work Ombudsman says it is vitally important
employers ensure they are aware of the minimum wage rates
applicable to their workplace, including penalty rates.

"A small mistake left over time can easily result in a
hefty bill for back-payment of wages - so it is important employers
get it right in the first place," The Fair Work Ombudsman
said.

Employers risk penalties of up to
$54,000 for each breach of the Fair Work
Act 2009.

Most businesses - including small businesses - are now covered
by the national Fair Work system created by the Fair Work Act
2009.